LEITNER DESIGNS ACS FORGED BED RACK - GMC (2014-2025)

Leitner Designs Active Cargo System For GMC Trucks

Your GMC Canyon or Sierra deserves a bed rack that matches its capability. The Leitner Designs ACS FORGED delivers exactly that—a no-drill, bolt-on solution engineered specifically for GMC trucks. Whether you're building out a GMC Canyon bed rack setup for weekend adventures or need a heavy-duty GMC Sierra bed rack for serious overlanding, this system has you covered.

Built in Corona, California, the Leitner ACS represents five years of development and hundreds of thousands of off-road miles of testing. This isn't some generic universal rack trying to fit everything. It's precision-engineered for GMC's specific bed dimensions and mounting points, ensuring perfect fitment every time.

The Leitner bed rack fits the entire GMC truck lineup, from the midsize Canyon to full-size Sierra 1500, 2500HD, and 3500HD models. With multiple bed length options available, you'll find the exact configuration for your specific truck.

What Is The Leitner Designs ACS FORGED?

The ACS FORGED represents Leitner's next-generation Active Cargo System. It builds on the proven foundation of the original ACS Classic while incorporating modern engineering improvements and enhanced load capabilities. This GMC bed rack has been refined through years of customer feedback and extreme testing conditions.

This GMC Sierra bed rack features single-piece aluminum alloy uprights that eliminate weak points common in welded designs. Paired with custom Grade 10.9 alloy steel fasteners, you get a system built to handle serious punishment. Every bolt features a black Zi-Ni coating—the toughest corrosion protection available—and comes pre-treated with Loctite to prevent loosening under constant vibration.

The NDNS (No Drill, No Slide) configuration means this GMC Canyon bed rack bolts directly to your truck's factory mounting points without requiring drilling. The rear load bar stays fixed, making it ideal for permanent rooftop tent installations or gear carriers that remain mounted year-round.

Leitner Bed Rack Key Features

100% Bolt-On Installation

The Leitner Designs bed rack preserves your GMC's bed integrity completely. By utilizing factory mounting points, you avoid drilling holes that could compromise structural integrity or create leak points. This reversible installation maintains resale value and keeps your truck's warranty intact.

Lightweight Aluminum Construction

At just 85 pounds, this rack won't bog down your Canyon or Sierra. The aluminum alloy construction delivers exceptional strength while keeping weight minimal. This means better fuel economy, improved handling, and less stress on your suspension compared to heavy steel alternatives that can weigh 150-200 pounds.

Premium Grade 10.9 Fasteners

Every single fastener in this system is purpose-built for the ACS FORGED. The Grade 10.9 rating exceeds standard automotive hardware strength significantly. The black Zi-Ni coating provides superior corrosion resistance, and pre-applied Loctite means you won't constantly retighten bolts after hitting rough terrain.

Quad-Rail Load Beam System

Those heavy-duty 2.0-inch square load bars aren't simple hollow tubes. They feature four T-slot channels—two facing upward, one running fore-aft, and two facing downward. This quad-rail design on your GMC Sierra bed rack gives you virtually unlimited mounting options for accessories, tie-downs, and custom cargo solutions.

Cross-Brand Accessory Compatibility

Your Leitner bed rack works seamlessly with Thule, Rhino-Rack, and Yakima accessories. Already invested in crossbars or cargo systems from these major brands? They'll mount directly to your Leitner Designs ACS without adapters or modifications.

DECKED System Compatible

Running a DECKED drawer system in your GMC truck bed? The Leitner Designs ACS FORGED mounts perfectly above it. You get organized drawer storage below and massive cargo capacity above—the ultimate combination for serious truck users and overlanders.

Optional GearPod Storage

Add Leitner's patented GearPods (US Patent 10259508) for locking, weather-resistant storage within easy reach. These aerodynamic storage boxes follow your truck's body lines to minimize wind noise while keeping tools, recovery gear, and valuables secure and protected from the elements.

Leitner Designs ACS Specifications

Specification	Details
Weight	85 lbs
Height from Bed Caps	23 inches
Load Bar Size	2.0" square
Material	Aluminum alloy
Fasteners	Grade 10.9 black Zi-Ni coated
Off-Road Dynamic Capacity	400 lbs
On-Road Dynamic Capacity	800 lbs
Static Capacity (Parked)	1,400 lbs
Finish	Dual-stage powder coated
Manufacturing	Corona, California, USA
Patent	US Patent 9586629

Weight Capacity Explained

Understanding the different weight ratings ensures you're using your GMC bed rack safely and effectively. This rack offers three distinct capacity ratings for different driving scenarios.

The off-road dynamic rating of 400 pounds applies when you're actively driving on rough terrain, forest roads, or rocky trails. This conservative number ensures everything stays secure when your GMC Canyon bed rack or Sierra setup is bouncing and flexing over obstacles.

The on-road dynamic rating of 800 pounds doubles your capacity for highway and paved road driving. This rating works perfectly for long road trips with bikes, cargo boxes, kayaks, or camping gear mounted on your GMC Sierra bed rack.

The static rating of 1,400 pounds applies when parked at camp. This massive capacity easily handles even the heaviest rooftop tents on the market. You can sleep comfortably in your tent without worrying about stressing the rack or your truck's bed structure.

GMC Bed Rack Installation

Installing the Leitner Designs ACS on your GMC is straightforward thanks to the no-drill design. You won't need specialized tools, welding equipment, or fabrication skills. Just basic hand tools and a couple of hours in your driveway.

Start by positioning the side rails over your GMC's factory bed mounting points. Leitner's precision laser-cutting ensures perfect alignment with your specific Canyon or Sierra model. Secure the rails using the provided stainless steel mounting hardware, threading bolts directly into existing factory mounting points.

Once the rails are secured, slide the crossbars into the side rail channels. Position them based on your cargo needs—closer together for smaller items, farther apart for rooftop tents or long cargo. Install the wind deflector by sliding T-nuts into the front crossbar's aluminum extrusion slots.

Most installations take 2-4 hours depending on experience level and whether you're adding accessories. Leitner provides comprehensive instructions with every rack, and detailed installation videos are available online for visual guidance.

Important Note for 2019+ GMC Trucks: Sierra 1500 models from 2019 onwards and Sierra 2500HD/3500HD from 2020 onwards require an additional rear support bracket for proper installation. This bracket is sold separately and ensures the rack sits correctly on redesigned bed structures.

Modular Design Benefits

The true versatility of the Leitner ACS comes from its modular design. Unlike welded racks with fixed crossbar positions, this GMC Canyon bed rack and Sierra system lets you customize crossbar spacing for any cargo situation.

Mounting a rooftop tent? Position the crossbars according to the tent manufacturer's mounting specifications. Hauling mountain bikes? Space them to support the wheels properly. Carrying lumber or kayaks? Adjust the spacing to maximize support and stability across your entire load.

The T-slot channels in every crossbar accept standard T-nuts and bolts, making it simple to attach custom mounts, light brackets, recovery board holders, or tie-down points exactly where needed. This flexibility means your GMC bed rack evolves with your needs.

GMC Canyon Compatibility

The Leitner Designs bed rack fits both short bed (5') and long bed (6') Canyon models from 2014-2025. This covers the second and third generation Canyon trucks, giving midsize GMC owners a premium bed rack option.

Your GMC Canyon bed rack comes in two configurations:

5' short bed (SKU 00-5.0NSAC-1676): Fits crew cab models
6' long bed (SKU 00-6.0NSAC-1677): Fits extended cab models

For 2023+ Canyon models, you'll need an additional rear support bracket due to bed design changes in the newest generation. This bracket ensures proper fit and optimal load distribution.

GMC Sierra Compatibility

Sierra owners have multiple options depending on model and bed length. The GMC Sierra bed rack fits:

5-8" short bed (Sierra 1500, 2001-2025)
6-6" standard bed (Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD, 2007-2025)
8-0" long bed (Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD, 2007-2025)

Critical Note: 2019+ Sierra 1500 and 2020+ Sierra 2500HD/3500HD models require an additional rear support bracket (sold separately). This accommodates the redesigned bed structure on newer Sierra generations.

Compatible Accessories

The Leitner bed rack transforms your GMC into a true adventure platform. Rooftop tents from CVT, Roofnest, iKamper, Tepui, and other manufacturers mount directly to your GMC Canyon bed rack or Sierra setup. The 1,400-pound static capacity handles even the largest family-sized hardshell tents.

Bike racks, kayak carriers, and cargo boxes from Thule, Yakima, and Rhino-Rack integrate seamlessly using the quad-rail T-slot mounting system. Carry multiple bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, or combinations of different gear all at once on your GMC Sierra bed rack.

Recovery equipment like Maxtrax, Hi-Lift jacks, off-road lighting, jerry can holders, shovel mounts, and axe holders all find easy mounting points. The modular design lets you configure your GMC bed rack exactly how you want it.

Leitner's own accessory line includes GearPods for secure storage, dedicated light mounting brackets, table systems, and more—all engineered specifically for the ACS platform.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

No-drill installation preserves GMC bed integrity and resale value
Lightweight aluminum construction maintains excellent fuel economy
Industry-leading 1,400-pound static capacity for heavy rooftop tents
Fits entire GMC truck lineup from Canyon to Sierra HD

Cons:

2019+ Sierra models require additional rear support bracket (sold separately)
Fixed rear bar limits loading options for motorcycles and ATVs

Why Choose Leitner Designs?

Leitner Designs has spent years perfecting truck bed racks through real-world testing in the harshest conditions imaginable. The ACS FORGED isn't designed by engineers who never leave the pavement—it's built by people who actually use their trucks hard and understand what works.

American manufacturing in Corona, California means strict quality control and supporting domestic jobs. The limited lifetime warranty demonstrates Leitner's confidence in their engineering and materials.

Compare this to imported alternatives that might cost less initially but use inferior materials, questionable welding, and lack proper engineering for your specific GMC model. Your Leitner bed rack will still be performing when cheaper options have failed and been replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GMC trucks does this rack fit?

This rack fits 2014-2025 Canyon (5' and 6' beds) and 2001-2025 Sierra 1500/2500HD/3500HD (5-8", 6-6", and 8-0" beds). Always verify your specific model year and bed length when ordering.

Do I need the rear support bracket?

2019+ Sierra 1500 and 2020+ Sierra 2500HD/3500HD require an additional rear support bracket (sold separately). 2023+ Canyon models also need this bracket for proper installation.

Can I install this GMC bed rack myself?

Yes. The no-drill design and clear instructions make this a straightforward DIY installation. Most GMC Canyon bed rack and Sierra installations complete in 2-4 hours with basic hand tools.

Will this work with my tonneau cover?

No. The rack mounts above the bed rails, making it incompatible with most tonneau covers. You'll need to choose between rack functionality and bed cover protection.

What's the difference between this and steel racks?

Steel racks typically weigh 150-200+ pounds compared to this GMC Sierra bed rack's 85 pounds. That weight savings improves fuel economy, handling, and available payload capacity significantly.